Maine lawmakers wrangle with issue of lab samples on ferries

AUGUSTA — A Maine bill would allow residents of the state’s island communities to ship medical samples by ferry rather than in person.

Democrats in the State Senate say the proposal was prompted by changes in the Maine State Ferry Service that make it difficult to ship samples, such as bloodwork, from islands.

New policies say Maine ferries won’t transport lab work for patients anymore. That means island residents must travel to mainland hospitals to deliver the samples, which can take hours.

Sen. Dave Miramant, a Camden Democrat, says a “lock box” for samples should be available on all boats. The bill was the subject of a Jan. 28 public hearing where some North Haven island residents spoke in favor of it.

The state Legislature’s transportation committee will review the bill soon.

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unclejunebug

What an absurd policy.
Customer service within Maine government is nonexistent but this one is a doozy.
This is classic discrimination based upon ignorant fear of the unknown and just plain bigotry! A patient should sue in federal court and have the federal ferry subsidy removed. Only in Maine does one see such nonsensical policies that make us DIRT POOR!

markusinger

A lockbox on fishing boats for bonded cigarette storage is the standard to be accord with federal customs regulations. This proposal seems to be a win-win for all concerned.

SPLAX

This article really doesn’t say much other than there is a bill being presented.Why won’t the ferry service this any more ? is one question…would like more to have been reported as what the issue here is or is not.On it’s face it doesn’t appear huge but….

David Chase

I am confused… What would the ferry service do if it stopped carrying blood ? Every single day hundreds of people expect that they can walk on board with their 5 -6 quarts of blood and have it delivered at the cost of the ticket they purchased. Why all of a sudden ifs the service terrified of the service. I assume they have band-aids and mops aboard.

longtail

It’s a little reminiscent of the Ebola quarantine kerfluffle. Many of those who practice policy from a conservative standpoint are fueled by fear first and common sense second. This situation is made more difficult because the crew member’s union contract doesn’t mention transportation or handling of “bio hazards” even though no crewmen in the ferry service have had a problem with the practice that I’m aware of.